Objective
To help the students to critically analyse different approaches in models of agricultural extension i8ncluding the application of agricultural knowledge and information system in improving extension practices. To gain knowledge and insight into the recent developments in extension such as cyber extension, alternative of financing extension, private/public partnership and privatization of extension, implications of WTO for extension services. To make a service of different contemporary of issues in extension related to rural poverty, environmental protection, diversity, biotechnology and GM crops.

Theory

UNIT I
Approaches of agricultural extension: critical analysis of different approaches of agricultural extension, Extension programmes of corporate sector, the concept importance and implications of livelihood extension. Technology base of agricultural extension : Importance and relevance of indigenous knowledge system, identification and documentation of ITK, integration of ITK system with formation research.

Practicals
Analysis of ITK system, cases on integration of ITK and formal research system, Recent extension reforms in India – an analysis of growth and development of ATMAs, Extension delivery through community based organisations, Organization innovations in Extension, a critical analysis of village knowledge and resource centres, kisan call centres and ICAR extension system- KVKs, ATIC, IVLP etc.